Chennai Travel Guide

Thanks to the increasing influx of travellers in the city, you'll never run short of options when it comes to hotels in Chennai. Whether you’re looking for a stay in a heritage property or seeking a convenient business stay, these abodes in Chennai will suit all your lodging needs. From the waterfront resort Leela Palace and the city’s oldest heritage hotel Taj Coromandel to the ones situated in close proximity to the business hubs such as the Sheraton Park Hotel and the Hilton, these hotels will charm you in every way.

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  10 plush stays in Chennai

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  Mid-range hotels in Chennai

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  The best budget hotels in Chennai

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  Boutique hotels in Chennai

With countless budget eateries and fine dining establishments serving delicious local and global cuisine, the restaurants in Chennai are a gourmand’s delight. Although most places focus on regional cuisine—from south Indian to Chettinad—there are a handful of restaurants you can eat at for staple Italian, Continental and American fare. Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or a lover of meat and seafood, the city caters to a wide range of preferences. Don’t shy away from sampling the offerings at some of the hole-in-the-wall eateries, where the focus is purely on the food.

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  Indian restaurants in Chennai

  ​Restaurants in Chennai dish out a number of Indian delicacies—north Indian as well as south Indian food. From fine dining restaurants to small eateries, there are several options available in different parts of the city.

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  Chennai for a vegetarian

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  5 Chennai restaurants that offer gourmet local fare

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  5 budget eateries that will give you a taste of Chennai

• Indian

  Saravana Bhavana

Serene beaches, a motley assortment of architectural wonders and numerous eateries offering delectable local as well as international fare—there are many places to visit in Chennai that will fill you up with charming experiences. Relive the days of the Chola and Chalukya dynasties at the Government Museum, take a walk down India’s first fortress built by the East India Company in the 17th century, or observe classic Dravidian architecture at the Kapaleshwar temple at Mylapore. For those who love outdoors, the campus of the Theosophical Society at Adyar is the place to be. Take a pleasant stroll at the tree-lined pathways before heading towards San Thome Church. A striking contrast to the Dravidian architecture of the Kapaleshwar temple, this neo-Gothic cathedral is a treat to the eyes. Offering an eclectic mix of temples, churches, mosques, parks, and forts, a tour of Chennai will leave you coming back for more.

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  Prominent temples in Chennai

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  Beautiful beaches in Chennai

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  The most haunted places in Chennai

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  5 places that speak of Chennai’s history

The city’s historic temples, churches and markets, and art-hubs ensure that visitors have plenty of things to do in Chennai. Pick up arty souvenirs from Dakshinachitra, explore the city’s Government Museum housed in a stunning British-era building, stroll on the stunning Marina Beach, or go wildlife spotting at the Guindy National Park—Chennai enthrals you with a variety of activities and experiences. We tell you where to go, and what to see when you are in Chennai.

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  Water parks in Chennai every traveller would love to visit

  Being the capital of Tamil Nadu, the city of Chennai is home to a lot of tourist attractions, be it historical, socio-cultural or amazing things of the modern times. It’s the same reason why the city has always pulled both business and leisure travellers from all parts of the world to spend a few days here.

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  Some of the best museums in Chennai

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  5 Chennai hotspots for culture junkies

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  Chennai off the beaten track

• Art

  Cholamandal Artists’ Village

Shopping in Chennai can be a fascinating albeit confusing experience. While the city is dotted with shops that continue to thrive amongst both locals and tourists even despite having been around for centuries, there are a host of gleaming new boutiques and international imports that co-exist alongside. So, we figured it was about damn time we flexed our shopping muscles to deliver you the guide to what's new, the best saree shops in Chennai and what's worth stopping in the city through with your credit card handy.

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  10 shopping experiences that are unique to Chennai

• Shopping Mall

  Spencer Plaza

The natural splendour of the Nilgiri Mountains, stunning temples of Mamallapuram and Chidamabaram, and the charming city of Pondicherry—there are plenty of weekend getaways from Chennai to choose from. From a laidback afternoon by the lake to wildlife spotting and a peek into the tales of the past—these destinations offer all kinds of interesting holiday experiences. Hit the road and head out in any direction to these must-do weekend breaks around Chennai.

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  Long weekend escapes from Chennai

  From the picturesque tea estates of Ooty to Tamil Nadu’s untouched mountain range Kolli Hills, the long list of places to visit near Chennai will undoubtedly entice you to pack your bags and head out. These destinations offer the perfect respite from Chennai’s sweltering heat and roaring traffic and make for great getaways during long weekends.

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  Kolli Hills—70 curves and a Fall

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  24 hours in Chennai

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  48 hours in Chennai